Seven leading figures with extensive experience of business and industry have met in Cardiff for their first meeting as members of the Economy Minister’s new Financial and Professional Services Sector Advisory Panel.
The following have been appointed and will serve up to a three year term:
•Rhian Bliss
•Mervyn Davies, Lord Davies of Abersoch
•Kevin Gardiner
•Richard Jones
•Sally Jones-Evans
•Huw Morgan
•Trudy Norris-Grey
They join Chris Nott, existing Panel Chair, who provides the continuity from the original Panel.
The Financial and Professional Services Sector is one of the largest employers out of all of the priority sectors and the Welsh Government has ambitious plans to grow this further.
The Sector’s strategy to maximise its growth potential is aimed at helping indigenous businesses to thrive and grow and attracting new investors into Wales, with a natural focus on those based in London.
Economy Minister Edwina Hart said:
“I am pleased to welcome the new Panel and delighted to have attracted such experienced and knowledgeable individuals. The new members will strengthen the Financial and Professional Services Sector Panel, which provides me with very valuable advice on how we can help this important sector grow.
“ They all have a proven track record in their field and also have the benefit of a network of senior contacts within the sector and beyond. “
Ahead of their meeting, the panel were given a tour of Central Cardiff Enterprise Zone and the opportunity to view a number of key developments and investments, including Capital One Building, the Life Sciences Wales Hub and GloWorks, the new creative industries centre on Porth Teigr.
They also visited Deloitte’s offices in Callaghan Square, heard how the company has expanded in Cardiff and met a number of prominent business leaders and individuals who provided comprehensive briefings on the strengths of the sector in Wales as well as an update on future plans for the city and the benefits these will create for the sector.
The Minister hosted a business lunch for the new panel before their first meeting.